Segundo is a 59-year old man from the Philippines who works as a driver. His wife is unemployed, and they occasionally receive help with household expenses from their child, who runs a small business. Segundo has been living with thyroid concerns for the last year. Still, he pushes through to enjoy singing during special occasions and family gatherings. Segundo remains hopeful about his recovery and shared that undergoing free surgery would ease his family's financial stress and keep them from having to borrow money to pay for his treatment. A year ago, Segundo began to experience troubling symptoms, including periodic palpitations and a throbbing sensation in his eyes. He was diagnosed with multinodular non-toxic goiter and needs surgery to heal. A recent ultrasound showed that the number and size of his thyroid nodules had increased, prompting concern from his family and a desire to have surgery before his condition worsens. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Segundo receive treatment. On August 29th, he will undergo a thyroidectomy at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. During this procedure, surgeons will remove all or part of his thyroid gland. Part of his treatment cost is covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is raising the remaining $935 to cover the cost of Segundo's procedure and care. Segundo said, "I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to receive free surgery. I look forward to getting better and continuing to enjoy singing and spending time with my family without worrying about my health."

Sothea is a ten-year-old boy from Cambodia. He lives in the Takeo Province with his grandmother, who is a rice farmer, and his younger brother. His parents work in the city to support the family; his mother is employed in a garment factory, and his father works in construction. Sothea is currently in third grade, and his favorite subject is math. He hopes to become a teacher when he grows up. In his free time, he enjoys playing games outside with his friends in the village. For the past year, Sothea has been experiencing difficulty swallowing and breathing while sleeping. He snores at night and frequently experiences a sore throat. His condition affects his sleep and causes discomfort throughout the day, making it difficult for him to rest well and affecting his overall health and school activities. Sothea was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $345 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Sothea, which is scheduled to take place on May 12. Surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Sothea of his symptoms and helping him breathe and sleep much more comfortably. His mother said, “I hope this treatment will help my child breathe and sleep better so he can grow up healthy and strong.”

Mab is a 28-year-old car repairman from Cambodia. He is married and lives in Kampong Cham Province with his wife, who sells fruit at a local market. They do not yet have children and are currently supporting their elderly parents. In his free time, he enjoys chatting with friends in the village. In 2015, Mab was involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in a fracture of his left femur. He was treated at a government hospital, where the fracture was managed surgically with intramedullary nailing. During the procedure, metal hardware was inserted to stabilize the bone and promote healing. Although the fracture has healed, he continues to experience intermittent pain, stiffness, and discomfort around the implant site. This affects his mobility, comfort, and ability to perform daily work activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On June 10th, Mab will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will help relieve pain and stiffness, improve comfort, and restore better mobility, allowing him to return more comfortably to his normal daily and working life. Mab can contribute $50, but needs help raising $328 to fund his procedure and care. Mab said, “I hope the surgery to remove the IM nail will relieve my discomfort and allow me to move more freely without pain or stiffness.”